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Can you reverse Type 2 diabetes?

We don’t call it diabetes reversal, because this might sound like it's permanent, and there’s no guarantee that your diabetes has gone forever.

But yes, it is possible to put your Type 2 diabetes into remission. This is when your blood sugar levels are below the diabetes range and you don’t need to take diabetes medication anymore. This could be life-changing.

How do you reverse diabetes?

There’s no guarantee, and it’s no easy fix. But the strongest evidence for reaching Type 2 diabetes remission points towards weight loss in people who are overweight or obese. Some people have done this through lifestyle and diet changes, and through weight loss surgery (called bariatric surgery).

Here's how it all works.

Why is it about losing weight?

Well our scientists believe that storing too much fat in the liver and pancreas affects how Type 2 diabetes develops and losing this fat can help put your diabetes into remission.

We also know diabetes remission is most likely nearer to your diagnosis. So it’s important to start your remission journey as early as possible.

Is there a diet to reverse Type 2 diabetes?

There is no such thing as a special diet exclusively for people with diabetes. There are a lot of different ways to lose weight – but there’s no one-size-fits-all diet.

But we do know that some people have put their diabetes into remission by losing weight through following the Mediterranean diet or a low-carb diet. We’ve got lots of information, meal plans and recipes to help you find the best approach for you.

Can I reverse my diabetes?

To increase your chances of Type 2 diabetes remission, aim to lose at least 15kg as soon as possible. This is easier said than done so ask your diabetes team for support.

It’s important to know that not everyone who loses this much weight will be able to put their diabetes into remission. But losing 15kg comes with a lot of health benefits, even if you don’t achieve remission. Even losing as little as 5% of your body weight, when you're overweight, can have huge benefits for your health. Losing extra weight can lead to:

Our research into diabetes remission

A study we’ve funded called DiRECT looked into the remission of Type 2 diabetes by following a low-calorie diet weight management programme. Find out more about the study and keep up to date with our remission research.

You make our work possible

Know your food

Eat well with diabetes

Following a balanced diet will allow you to manage your blood sugar levels and also help you keep to a healthy weight. Both are important when you have diabetes. To make it that bit easier, answer three quick questions about yourself below and we’ll search out eating advice from our experts that we think will be really useful for you.